Okinawa is a little island off the South Coast of Japan (it is actually closer to Taiwan and China though), visiting my mum's family. Floating in the Pacific Ocean, Okinawa is made up of several islands but I am staying in Naha, on Okinawan Island (the largest of the islands) where my family live.
picture from http://www.ft.com/ |
When I arranged to come here, my intention really was just to come and chill out so that I could learn the language and my background/culture. I have been learning for a couple of years but it is only when you immerse yourself that you really get to grips with it, so this was my chance to speak to native speakers to practise.